A tragic wave of violence has struck Owo, Ondo State, as cult-related clashes claimed the lives of five individuals, including the wife and son of a prominent Islamic cleric, Alhaji Abdulkareem Adedokun. The grief-stricken Imam has responded by invoking divine curses on those responsible for the brutal killings.
The unrest in Owo began on January 6, 2025, when suspected cultists unleashed terror in the ancient town. Among the dead were a ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Fisayo Oladipupo, and a mother and her child.
A Heartbroken Cleric’s Outcry
In a deeply emotional post shared on Facebook, Alhaji Adedokun mourned his wife, Temitope Adedokun, and their 10-year-old son, Abdul Malik, who were killed in their family shop during the attacks.
“The most painful part of it is how politicians started playing politics with the death of my wife and son,” the Imam wrote, emphasising his family’s lack of involvement in any cult activities.
Drawing on the spiritual legacy of his grandfather, Almustaph Adedeji Jika Anabi, a revered figure credited with introducing Islam to much of Ondo State, Alhaji Adedokun cursed the perpetrators.
“I curse the person who killed Temitope Adedokun and Abdul Malik Adedokun, all members of their cult gangs, their supporters—including politicians and traditional leaders—and those protecting them from security agents,” he declared.
The cleric’s invocation was uncompromising: “From today, every child born into their families will die a mysterious death upon reaching the age of my little Abdul Malik, who was killed. This curse will remain until they can bring my son back to life.”
Government Response to the Chaos
Following the bloodshed, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Owo to restore order. “This curfew is necessary to prevent further loss of lives and ensure the safety of residents,” the governor stated.
The decision has received mixed reactions, with some praising the swift action while others expressed concerns about its impact on daily life and commerce in the town.
Police Intervene as Suspects Are Arraigned
The Ondo State Police Command has intensified efforts to curb the violence, arresting eight suspects linked to the cult clashes. The suspects, including two women, were arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court on charges of conspiracy, cultism, murder, illegal possession of firearms, and handling stolen vehicles.
Inspector Nelson Akintimehin, the police prosecutor, revealed that the suspects were members of the Alora and Ave secret cults. “The suspects used firearms and other weapons to murder five victims, including 10-year-old Abdul Malik,” he said.
Among the evidence presented were a double-barrel gun, nine cartridges, and two vehicles—a Toyota Camry and an unregistered Lexus ES350—allegedly stolen and recovered from the suspects.
The seventh and eighth defendants, siblings Bisi and Esther Gbenga, were granted bail of ₦500,000 each, with sureties required. Meanwhile, the remaining suspects were remanded in police custody pending further investigations and advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The court has adjourned the case to January 28, 2025, for further deliberation.
Community Outrage and Politicisation
The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage among residents and community leaders, who are calling for justice and greater security measures. However, the incident has also become a flashpoint for political tensions, with accusations of partisanship overshadowing the quest for justice.
Alhaji Adedokun expressed his disappointment at how the incident has been politicized. “It is disheartening that rather than unite to address the menace of cultism, politicians are using my family’s tragedy for their selfish agendas,” he lamented.
The Growing Menace of Cultism
Cult-related violence has been a persistent challenge in Ondo State and other parts of Nigeria. Experts have attributed the rise of cultism to unemployment, social disintegration, and the influence of political actors who allegedly exploit cult groups for their interests.
Efforts to combat cultism have included legislative measures, community outreach programs, and police crackdowns. However, the recurring violence highlights the need for a more holistic approach involving education, economic empowerment, and stricter enforcement of laws against secret societies.
